February 2015 – Page 2 – Which Beauty Box UK

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Which Beauty Box UK February 13, 2015

Beauteque BB Bag Review – February 2015

February BB Bag
Price – $32.95 including shipping approx £21.54
No of Products – 9 items
Total value of contents – £50.00
http://www.beauteque.com/

With the Beauteque monthly subscription programme now in full force, I’m delighted to unveil the February 2015 BB Bag which is curated around the day of love, Valentines Day. The Beauteque Sweethearts edit contains a beauty overhaul with a mixture of skincare, make-up, a fragrance and a lifestyle item in the form of a Spa Hair Towel and boasts an impressive eight full sized products with a incredible value of around £50.00. As with all of the BB Bags subscribers have an opportunity to chose some variations of the products, leaving the remainder of what you receive a complete surprise, a concept that I really love about Beauteque. Subscribers are definitely in for a treat this month, I can’t believe how many products were crammed inside this month’s bag!

The BB Bag, known as the Beauteque Bag is monthly beauty bag containing 5-6 Korean beauty products ranging from skincare, make up, hair and bodycare along with a lifestyle item or a beauty tool. The impressive factor is that all of the products are full-sized so you really are getting great value for money as well as discovering korean brands which aren’t readily available in the UK.

If you love KBeauty, the Beauteque Bags are a great, affordable concept who deliver great Korean brands and the latest beauty trends straight to your door. As well as their beauty bags they also have an online shop which showcases popular Korean brands such as Etude House, Mizon, Tony Moly, and Lioele.

The contents as always come presented in a bag as opposed to a box and being reusable, they are great for traveling or weekend breaks. This month’s bag comes in black satin type make-up bag although with the theme being Valentines Day, I would of liked to have seen a red bag or something with hearts on it.

1. A’Pieu Nonoco Teatree Emulsion – Full Size 50ml RRP £8.54

Having oily and spot-prone skin, I was immediately drawn to this emulsion which contains tea tree goodness along with natural herbal extracts to make your skin clear and healthy whilst reducing redness and blemishes.

This non-sticky emulsion has a light weight milky formula with an abundant tea tree scent, which I actually quite like. It absorbs well and leaves a silky finish leaving the skin hydrated and soft. I love that this comes in a pump dispenser too and the texture is great for the warmer months.

2. It’s Skin Mango White Lip and Eye Remover – Full Size RRP £3.28

I’m not the best when it comes to removing my make up, especially after a late night and these wipes are very welcomed.

These mango scented wipes are mainly for removing make up from the lip and the eye area and contains extracts of mangosteen, green tea, orange, olive oil and argan oil.

There’s a total of 15 wipes within the pack and they are super moist with a fresh and uplifting scent. These fuss-free wipes will certainly come in handy and are the perfect handbag size too.

3. Etude House Collagen Eye Patch – Full Size RRP £2.62

I love Etude House and was delighted to receive these eye patches.

The eye patches are formulated with collagen that helps plump up, minimise lines and wrinkles around the eyes and also includes Vitamins A and E along with green tea extracts to soothe and nourish the skin.

I tend to reach out for these when my eyes are feeling especially tired, or if I don’t get enough sleep and want to avoid obvious panda eyes. It doesn’t do much to reduce the appearance of dark circles, but it certainly helped to soothe the area.

4. Skinfood Black Bean Eye Brow Pencil – Full Size RRP £7.23

Brow filling is a must for me to give me extra definition and shape. I’ve always favoured a pencil over powder so was happy to see this within the bag. Subscribers were also able to choose the shade and I opted for the black.

This pencil contains black bean nutrients which nourishes and moisturises the skin and it’s creamy formula glides onto the skin with the shade being a perfect near match for me. I would of liked the pencil itself to have been a little more slimmer and pointed for better precision but apart from that it’s quite usable.

5. E Choice Peptide Cream – Full Size RRP £9.86

There were two different types of creams to chose from and I picked the Peptide cream instead of the ceramide cream, although I was none the wiser as to what they actually did until researching further.

Peptide is similar to skin proteins and assists with skin regeneration delivering elasticity and vitality to dry and rough skin, and is mainly used within anti-aging products.

6. Face Masks – Full Size x 2 RRP £3.28

Within this month’s bag there were two face masks , both from brands I haven’t heard of before.

I received the Nextbeau Elasticity/Collagen Wrinkle Mask which has a cute piggy on the front and the Daylight & Hue Arbutus Essence Mask.

The Nextbeau Elasticity/Collagen Wrinkle Mask contains abundant ingredients to supply the skin with moisture and vibrance. It also contains hydraulic acid to keep the skin plump and hydrated and is more suited for drier skin types.

Next up is the Daylight & Hue Arbutus Essence Mask which I was quite intrigued about as the ingredient arbutus isn’t one I’ve heard of before. Arbutus are small trees or shrubs with edible red berries and it’s this extract that stimulates the skin to make it more transparent and healthy. I can’t wait to try this one as it appears to be much more suited for my skin type.

7. Tony Moly Petit Art Perfume Mist – Full Size 65ml RRP £7.89

Another brand which I absolutely adore is Tony Moly and I was delighted to see a fragrance from this brand within the February line up. There were 2 variations available and I opted for Fresh Green.

The fragrance is really refreshing and uplifting which is what I hoping for when I chose this scent and it didn’t disappoint and neither is it sickly or overpowering, it actually reminds me of Spring. It also comes in a handy sized spray that easily fits into the handbag.

8. Beauteque Hair Spa Towel – RRP £6.57

One of the aspects I love about the Beauteque bags is that they also include either a lifestyle item or a beauty tool making the discovery not just lotions and potions.

This month’s edit includes a Spa Hair Towel which is pretty much like those turbie towels and wraps up the hair nice and snug once washed. I’ve seen different colours of these but delighted I received the purple one.

My Verdict

I’m really impressed with this month’s edition which not only covers a good area of beauty but also includes a very generous amount of products, all of which are full sized featuring well-known Korean brands including some new discoveries for me. In my opinion Beauteque are really stepping up the game with their bags and they have certainly got the concept spot on.

The entire contents within the bag are all full sized with an incredible value of around £50.00 beating the cost of the bag which works out around £21.54 including shipping. It’s a small price to pay to discover Korean brands which aren’t available in the UK. I also love that I was able to customise a few options too and the remainder was a complete surprise.

Inside the box is also a product card which is in English so you won’t be lost in translation. Each product within the bag is listed on the card along with a brief description and the value.

If you love K Beauty, the Beauteque Bags are a great, affordable concept who deliver great Korean brands and the latest beauty trends straight to your door.

Beauteque’s new monthly subscription bag is available now at:
http://www.beautequemonthly.com

**PR Sample**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information

Which Beauty Box UK February 11, 2015

You Beauty Discovery Box Review – February 2015

Price of the Box is £6.95 including P&P
No of items in the box – 4 items
Total value of contents in the box £16.51
www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

The February 2015 You Beauty Discovery Box has landed and this month’s shortlist theme is Red Carpet and features a variety of all things beauty from skin and bodycare treats, an indulgent body scrub and also an innovative hair wand to disguise those grey hairs in three different shades. As well as the beauty treats, all subscribers will receive a little treat from chocolate connoisseur’s Lindt.

To see the February Shortlist please click here

“You Beauty Discovery” is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 2 selected hair, make-up and beauty products from well-known and new brands and they also include 2-3 bonus samples. Unlike the other subscription boxes you get to choose two products of your choice from a diverse selection menu each month.

My box included 2 products of my choice from the shortlist and two extra bonus treats in the form of a sample of the BareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and a mini box of Lindt – Lindor Milk Truffles (50g)

1. Josh Wood Colour Blending Wand – Full Size 28ml. RRP £12.50

Within a few weeks after having my hair coloured I always seem to catch a glimpse of an awful sprout of grey hairs and being dark haired it’s hard to disguise them although I have been known to use mascara at the front of my hairline which works quite well for those emergency moments! In light of this I was particularly excited to see this innovative hair wand which promises a quick fix solution in between hairdressing appointments.

The Josh Wood range is new and exclusive to Marks & Spencers and these non permanent hair colour wands claim to instantly blend away grey regrowth in a few easy steps, allowing you to keep your hair looking great in between salon visits. You simply apply to wet or dry hair and blow dry to set the formula. It also claims to last for up to three shampoos which is really impressive. The applicator is a brush which I like as it’s more likely to give better coverage and an even application.

Whilst I’ve got no greys at the moment, I did try a little on my hair and the shade dark brown is a perfect near match for me. This is liquid based so you do need to be extra careful to ensure it doesn’t go everywhere. I found the applicator brush very easy to use and it gives an even application with good coverage without overloading roots with product. On first impressions I really love the concept but the greatest test will be whether it actually covers the grey and it’s lasting power. From what I’ve seen so far I have high hopes!

2. L’Occitane en Provence Almond Delicious Hands – Sample Size 10ml. Worth £2.66

When I walk past a L’Occitane store, without fail I feel the need to stroll in. Not that I always need or even want something of course. Most of the times I come out empty-handed, but still, I love to enter and just sniff at everything I see.

I love hand creams and decided to chose the Almond Delicious Hands, it’s formulated with softening almond milk and smoothing almond proteins to instantly helps to nourish and soften the hands.

The scent as with all L’Occitane is beautiful with delicate notes. It has a gel texture, and is very easily absorbed with no greasy residue. It hydrates well, but if your hands are pretty dry, you might have to reapply more often as it’s not that rich.

This hand-bag essential is perfect for hydrating hands throughout the day.

3. Extra Samples within the box:

This month, You Beauty Discovery included a sachet sample of the BareMinerals Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and a mini box of Lindt – Lindor Milk Truffles (50g £1.35) which was a nice touch seeing as it’s Valentines Day soon.

My Verdict

For me personally there were only a few stand outs in this month shortlist despite it being a red carpet theme. I would of liked to have seen some make up however I’m really happy with my choices and the discoveries I’ve made. I think the box of chocolates was a lovely touch and I can’t wait to put the hair wand to the test, I have high hopes for this covering my greys!

The value of my box is worth £16.51 beating the actual cost of the box and includes 1 full sized product with the remainder being sample sized.

The magazine within the box includes various discount codes for all of the brands which have been featured this month which is great if you want to buy further products.

You Beauty Discovery is one of favourite beauty boxes and it’s a great way to discover emerging and well known brands from a good selection of beauty products, although recently it does feel like they’ve lost their sparkle a little compared to previous shortlists. I do love that I can personalise my box giving me full control on what I receive. The box itself is only £6.95 each month making it super affordable and good value for money.

For more information or to subscribe please visit:

www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Which Beauty Box UK February 10, 2015

Cohorted Beauty Box Review – February 2015

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Cohorted Beauty Box – February 2015
Price of the box – £19.99 plus £2.50 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 5 items (worth £67.50)
www.cohorted.co.uk

I’ve literally been bursting at the seams with excitement to unveil the February Cohorted Beauty Box, the first ever edition with many more in the making for us beauty addicts each month. For those of you who are not familiar with Cohorted, they are an online cult beauty retailer who provide a much fairer price when it comes to purchasing well known and loved brands such as Urban Decay, Benefit, MAC, NARS, Dolce & Gabbana, Real Techniques, plus many more. With this brand portfolio in mind it was inevitable that this box was going to deliver and be a crowd pleaser from the outset. Unlike any of the other beauty boxes, this features lust-worthy and luxurious brands which automatically puts this box within a league of it’s own. I certainly to date have not seen the likes of Dolce & Gabbana or Bobbi Brown showcase within a beauty box until now! As well as the incredible line up, all of the products are exceptionally good sized with three being full-size and if you love the finer things in life, you are in for a real treat which won’t break the bank.

The February box being their first ever edition has now sold out and it features an incredible line up worth £67.50 and showcases well known brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Bobbi Brown, Benefit and Korres. The contents come beautifully presented within a chic black box tied with a satin ribbon giving it a very luxurious look and feel.

1. Dolce & Gabbana Clarifying Lotion – Full Size 150ml RRP £20.00

I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I first set eyes on this full sized Dolce & Gabbana Clarifying Lotion, I certainly to date have not seen this luxurious brand feature in any beauty boxes.

This make-up remover which is alcohol-free is an all-rounder formula that cleanses, gently exfoliates and tones. It’s unique formula effectively sweeps away dead surface skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smoother and with a visibly refined, luminous appearance as well as removing all traces of makeup.

I’ve not tried anything from the Dolce & Gabbanna skincare range so look forward to giving this a go.

2. Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara – Travel Size 3ml. Worth £8.00

I know I’m not the only one who is such a sucker for mascara. I don’t know what it is, but as soon as a new mascara lands on my doorstop I am immediately drawn to it mainly because I am always looking for a magical makeup miracle, and this Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara is no exception although I was more overwhelmed to see this brand inside the box. I’m relatively new to Bobbi Brown’s make up collection so was happy to see this brand showcased.

Upon opening the mascara, I noticed straight away that the formula is very rich and deep black. It was not thick or overly wet upon the first stroke of application. What I really loved was the immediate effect of BOOM it gave my lashes. If you want lash drama and do not want to spend 5 minutes trying to build up the lashes, this mascara is for you. The brush is a classic spiral wand, but with tons and tons of bristles which is my preference over others wands.

I loved the big immediate drama thanks to it’s deep black pigment, but I also noticed that it’s not the most buildable mascara on the planet. It can get a little chunky when too much is applied. Not my Holy Grail mascara, but better than the majority of the prestige and high end mascara’s I’ve tried.

3. Benefit Bella Bamba Ultra Plush Lipgloss – Full Size 15ml RRP £14.50

I’ve long had a love affair with Benefit from their famous boxes of blush to their concealers since I was 16 years old and welcomed this full sized Bella Bamba Ultra Plush Lip Gloss formula that corresponds with the gorgeous blush colour too.

This plush gloss comes in a soft-squeezable tube with a custom tip designed for even application and the Bella Bamba is a sheer bright watermelon shade.

I really like the texture which feels super- comfy on the lips without a trace of stickiness. It has a sweet fruity scent which smells utterly delicious. I was hoping this had a little more pigment and with it being sheer it simply adds a natural soft sheen of colour making it a great everyday gloss.

4. Korres Quercetin & Oak Eye Primer – Full Size 4ml RRP £10.00

I don’t wear eyeshadow much, but when I do, I rely on a good primer to keep my eyeshadow in-tact and crease-free throughout the day. This one by Korres is a 3 in 1 formula which primes, corrects and helps against anti aging. It’s enriched with Quercetin & Oak extracts which smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and it’s built-in apricot undertone claims to instantly correct darkness and imperfections on the eyelid and underneath the eye area.

The texture and the apricot colour really makes the eyeshadow look more vibrant and it also worked well under my eyes as a colour corrector which neutralised a little of my dark circles. After a good six hours or so my eyeshadow was still in-tact, crease-free and looked fresh as when I first applied it. I’m really impressed with the results and I like that this also works as an under eye brightener and as well as an anti-aging product.

5. Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cleanser – Travel Size 50ml. Worth £15.00

As well as it’s calcium goodness, milk also has many beauty benefits too and is commonly used in products. Cleopatra reputedly bathed in the stuff, which was said to be her secret to that alluring & youthful glow. The Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser which comes in a generous sized sample, harnesses all the beneficial ingredients of this miracle ingredient to remove everyday impurities and make-up from the face and eyes without stripping the skin.

Firstly I love that this has a flip-top cap making it easy to use one-handed and ensures no fumbling around compared to a screw cap. The fragrance has a warm vanilla/buttery scent that almost makes you want to taste it, although I didn’t of course! This lathers up pretty well and it’s natural cleansing agents and emulsifiers ensures a very mild formula which doesn’t strip the skin. It’s is very nourishing which is great for colder months although I would probably use this first thing in the morning as it still left a little of my make up on.

My Verdict

I’ve fallen head over heels with Cohorted’s first ever beauty box and in my opinion this is a luxurious beauty box which is big on premium and well-known brands. I certainly wouldn’t be able to justify spending over £60 plus on beauty products each month and this box by Cohorted by far softens the blow with it’s affordable price tag. I didn’t know what to expect when Cohorted got in touch with me and although I had high hopes due to their brand portfolio, I was actually blown away when I saw the contents inside. As well as the beauty line up, I loved the presentation and the design of the box which really gives it that luxurious look and feel and for their first ever attempt I think they’ve done extremely well and hope to see this quality throughout their monthly edits.

I really lust over premium brands but not knowing how the product will perform is the main factor which usually stops me from splurging out, but this box really gives you an opportunity to try before you buy at such a steal with a mixture of full sized and generous sized samples without any teeny samples in sight. Although the box isn’t cheap compared to the others, the value really does make up for this and one of the items alone this month equates to the box itself. If you need a little cheering up or a guilt-free treat each month this box can be purchased as a one off transaction so there’s no subscription involved giving you full control and flexibility to purchase as and when you want to.

Overall taking into account the brands featured, the size of the products and the value I really can’t fault this box.

My only negative is that so many customers missed out on the box due to their website experiencing technical difficulties, I only hope that this was an one off and we can see a much smoother and fairer transaction process from here onwards.

I can’t wait to see what the March edition has in store although the pre-order boxes have also now sold out.

Did you manage to get the February Cohorted Beauty Box?

www.cohorted.co.uk

**PR Sample**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information

Which Beauty Box UK February 5, 2015

The His & Hers Beauty Box by Latest in Beauty – February 2015

With Valentines day soon approaching, Latest in Beauty have released The His & Hers Beauty Box. As well as a treat for you there’s something for that special man in your life too. The box includes 14 beauty treats with a value of over £50 and it’s available now for just £14.95 + £3.95 P&P. It even includes two Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick sachets which are utterly adorable.

Inside the box:

1. Rituals Foaming Hammam Delight Foaming Shower Gel Sensation 50ml
2. Wild About Beauty Eye Shadow 2.5g (Shades may vary)
3. Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer 15ml (Shades may vary)
4. Sanctuary Spa White Lily & Damask Rose Body Lotion 75ml
5. Jimmy choo Eau de Parfum (2ml)
6. MeMeMe Cherub’s Blush 12ml
7. Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick sachets (2 sachets)
8. Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara (12ml)
9. Percy & Reed Abundantly Bouncy Volumising Hair Mousse (50ml)
10.Spiezia Organics Facial Cleanser 10ml
11. Latest in Beauty Heart Shaped Expandable Face Cloth
12. Dove Men+Care Hydrate+ Moisturiser 15ml
13. Dove Men+Care Shaving Cream Hydrate 50ml
14. Jimmy Choo Man (2ml)

The His & Hers Beauty Box is available now at:
www.latestinbeauty.com

Which Beauty Box UK February 3, 2015

Birchbox Review – February 2015

Birchbox February 2015
Monthly subscription is £10.00 Plus £2.95 P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6 items
www.birchbox.co.uk

Valentines Day is soon approaching and with this in mind, Birchbox have taken quite a different approach and it’s all about the things we love the whole month through. This month, Birchbox are sending all their subscribers a little box filled with loveliness with the February “Birchbox Loves” edition. Not only does the box include a great beauty line up but this month sees a much slimmer and sleeker box design giving it a new look and feel. For those of you who run home to catch the delivery man or impatiently wait at home, this box conveniently fits through your letter box allowing you to carry on with your day whether you’re in or out and about. This is a great step forward and most importantly you won’t have to ever worry about missing that all important beauty delivery, I really like it and from this month subscribers can opt-in for the slim-line box. More information is available here.

This month’s box has all areas covered and features a selection of skin and body care products, two make up treats, and a shine-boosting shampoo.The box also features a lifestyle extra from The Chia Co.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription service. The box consists of 4-5 selected hair, make-up and beauty products from well-known brands and new brands. They also include a lifestyle extra within their box too. Birchbox also have an online shop where you can purchase all the brands which have been featured in their boxes. Their reward program offers exceptional benefits too.

The content’s of the February Birchbox will vary. To see what you may receive please click here

1. T London Darjeeling Hand & Body Lotion – Travel Size 50ml RRP from £6.50

T London isn’t a brand I’ve heard of before but they host a wide collection of hotelier worthy beauty products inspired by Tea and their collection includes bath and body products to home fragrances.

The Darjeeling Hand & Body Cream has a blend of jojoba oils to soften, Aloe oils to moisturise and a welcoming scent of darjeeling, all within a silky textured lotion.

The scent is absolutely divine and really soothing making it perfect for applying after a long day to relax both the mind and body.

2. Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo – Sample Size 20ml. Full Size 20ml RRP £10.00

As well as Liz Earle’s popular skincare collection which most of us are familiar with, I wasn’t even aware until now that they also had a line of hair products.

Liz Earle have made their haircare range really simple and have designed a single Botanical Shine Shampoo for all hair types with an one for all formula. With Liz Earle’s natural approach to things, the shampoo is SLS free, plant-based, colour safe and of course not tested on any animals. The natural active blend of ingredients include vitamin E, aloe vera, west african shea butter, fruit extracts and naturally derived cleansers. The fruit extracts help to make hair look shiny and claims to gently cleanse without stripping, to leave the hair soft and shiny. It’s also infused with eight essential oils which gives it a delicious light refreshing fragrance.

I’m looking forward to trying something different from the Liz Earle range and it will be interesting to see if this lives up to the same hype as their skincare products.

3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum – Sample Size 10ml. Full Size RRP £45.00

I’m really into my serums and oils at the moment so was happy to see the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum by Caudalie, a brand I really love and trust.

The Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum creates a radiant complexion, corrects dark spots and prevents them from reappearing making the skin evened out and more radiant. It’s oil-free formula is suitable for all skin types too.

I’m particularly drawn to this product as I’ve got a few acne scars and it will be interesting to see over time if these marks fade away. As well as it’s fade technology, my skin certainly welcomes this brightening formula especially now where winter seems to suck the life out of my skin, leaving it dull and lackluster.

4. theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £15.00

Can we take a moment to admire this adorable sample of theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer, it’s simply heart melting with it’s super-cute vintage design. It’s almost too pretty to use!

theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer is an eyeshadow, blush, and highlighter in one and it’s a peachy pink shade makes it versatile for all skin tones.

The warm colour worked really well as a blush on my pale skin and although it’s a little shimmery, a little blending gave it the right amount of glow without looking too metallic. The powder is smooth and creamy and isn’t chalky at all. It blends into the skin well and has pretty good staying power too. I love this all-in-one product which not only brightens the complexion but also contours and defines the areas you really want accentuate giving a lovely pop of colour.

5. Cynthia Rowley Eyeliner – Sample Size. Full Size RRP £11.00

I wasn’t aware that Cynthia Rowley had a beauty range although she is more commonly known as a New York Fashion Designer and I welcome the introduction in the form of a black eyeliner pencil from her beauty collection. If you read my posts regularly you will probably know how excited I get over black eyeliners in any shape or form! It doesn’t take much to make me happy!

Firstly I love the pretty polka dot design along with the black and gold colours which really stands. I wasn’t expecting much initially, but this eyeliner definitely exceeded my expectations. The pencil is super-creamy and glides on smoothly with minimal effort without tugging the skin. It’s true black shade creates striking bold lines which immediately draws attention to the eye area. Not only does this liner make your eye’s pop, it also stays put without any smudging.

I’m really impressed with my first experience with this brand, and will definitely be looking into more of their products.

6. Lifestyle Extra – The Chia Co Oats + Chia pack – RRP £4.95 (pack of 5)

I rarely have time for breakfast in the morning but these packs of oats + chia by the Chia Co are a great and convenient way to incorporate the most important meal into your day.

There could be different variants of flavours within boxes this month and I received the Berry flavour. The packet contains wholegrain oats and sun ripened chia that are blended with the finest quality fruit and virgin coconut oil to give a creamy, dairy-free texture just by adding water and is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

I can’t wait to try this and I particularly like that it’s travel and desk-friendly and only requires hot water.

My Verdict

This month’s Birchbox is filled with true loveliness and sees a much slimmer and compact box design making it even easier to get that all important beauty delivery straight through your letter box. The inclusion of two make-up items will certainly put smiles on faces this month along with the remainder of the products which are all very usable, and mainly features new discoveries for me from well-known and emerging brands.

The box boasts six items this month and covers all areas with a selection of tip to toe discoveries from skin brighteners, a soothing body treat, a shine boosting shampoo, a true black eyeliner and a travel & work friendly breakfast sample.

I’m really impressed with the entire line up this month and the samples are decent sized too giving you an opportunity to really road test the products. I’ve already got a few firm favourites within this box!

I’m really looking forward to the March edition as it’s “pick your own sample” time again from a brand we all love and know, Benefit.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Get your first Birchbox for only £10.00 by using the code BBLOVES at the checkout.

To sign up for the February Box or for more information please click here

www.birchbox.co.uk

**PR Sample**
 Please see my disclaimer for more information

Keep updated on my latest blog posts via:

Which Beauty Box UK February 2, 2015

Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit by Latest in Beauty Review – February 2015

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Price of the Box is £19.95 plus £3.95 shipping
No of Products in the Box – 9 items
Total Value of contents in the box – £116.00
http://www.latestinbeauty.com

I’m a big fan of Latest of Beauty who curate incredible beauty boxes and showcase worthy and well-known brands for a very affordable price. Since Christmas they’ve been pretty quiet on the new releases but I knew in the background they were super-busy planning and working their magic to bring the next installment of boxes for 2015. I’ve been eagerly waiting for a new edition and to my delight they have kick-started the year with a new collaboration partner Get the Gloss to bring us beauty addicts the Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit, It’s the perfect survival kit which not only combats the winter blues but also includes a selection of make up treats along with some fabulous skin pick me ups and rescuers to get you looking your very best.

The box showcases an impressive beauty overhaul covering a good area of beauty and includes well-known and loved brands such as Glamglow, Shiseido, Laura Mercier, Essie and many more. If that’s not enough the box is worth an incredible £116.

The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit includes skin loving treats to brighten dull and lackluste skin, not one but two Essie mini nail varnishes and a good selection of make-up treats. As well as a fabulous line up the box includes a selection of generous sized samples and full sized products from brands we all know and love including a few new discoveries for me.

1. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate – Sample Size 10ml

A brand I’ve heard of but not tried before is Shiseido and I was happy to be finally introduced in the form of their Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate.

This super-charged, boosting face concentrate is for youthful-looking skin and is primarily used for enhancing the skin’s essential multi-defensive power against visible signs of aging, environmental factors, and daily stress. It restores the skin powers to resist, protect, regenerate, and strengthen, leaving skin smooth and deeply nourished.

I’m usually pretty skeptical when it comes to “do-it-all” products that claim to cover a variety of skin issues with one single miracle formulation however I’m particularly drawn to the philosophy behind this product which in fact makes perfect sense after all prevention is cure!

2. Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner – Full Size RRP £12.00

I’ve been really loving the Eyeko range from their eye make up remover wipes to their super skinny liners and being a fan of liners in any form I was delighted to see a full size version inside the box in the shade black.

This eyeliner pen has a slim applicator just like a felt-tip pen which is perfect for those who want to achieve the perfect cat eye. The pen gives great precision and control and it’s so easy to work with and really is foolproof!

The pen also allows you to create thin and thick lines and has a good lasting finish with an intense shade of black which makes the eyes pop!

3. GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment – Travel Size 10g

I could of literally done a little dance when I set my eyes on the GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment as it’s something I’ve been wanting to try for while, mainly because it claims to address my biggest skin concern – spots! It was only recently that I tried the Youth Mud Treatment and I instantly fell in love with it’s magical results.

The Super Mud Clearing Treatment is an innovative facial treatment mask that works to tighten skin texture and pores whilst fighting common skin problems such as blemishes, breakouts and even ingrown hair. Suitable for both men and women, this facial mask absorbs impurities without affecting the skin’s natural oils, giving you a youthful appearance. This can be used as a full facial mask or as a one spot solution for blemished areas.

Typically, I’m spot-free at the moment and I never thought I would say this but I’m looking forward to my next breakout so I can give this a go!

4. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Full Size 30ml RRP £19.00

The Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is my go-to product, I use it on a daily basis to create the perfect base for my make-up however I’ve got about six of these now from various beauty boxes!

This foundation primer is oil free and creates the perfect canvas for makeup application, especially for those with sensitive and oily skin. This soothing, lightweight, water based gel forms an even, invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements, expertly holding foundation for longer wear and keeping cosmetics from being absorbed into the skin.

I use this primer religiously as a base before applying my foundation. If you have oily/combination skin it’s the perfect formula as it’s very light weight and doesn’t feel greasy. Whilst on this definitely works hand in hand with the foundation and controls any oil production on the surface of the skin. This creates a smooth canvas which keep’s my foundation looking great and flawless all day.

5. Therapie Roques O’Neil Cherish Skin Repair Serum – Travel Size 30ml RRP £12.00

The Cherish Skin Repair Serum has become a top pick within cult beauty due to its skin healing and skin soothing ingredients including Argan Oil, Avocado, Arctic Blackcurrant, Broccoli Seed and Red Raspberry Seed, to name a few and comes from the skin and bodycare range by world renowned aromatherapist Michelle Roques O’Neil.

This wonder potion is packed with natural antioxidants and ingredients that its suitable for all skin types, it’s particularly soothing on sun damaged skin and its even suitable for pregnant women to ease stretch marks. This product is also suitable for use over your whole body and helps to condition, repair and protect giving you toned and lustrous skin.

The serum has a silky yet oily formula but doesn’t leave your skin with a residue and it sinks in particularly well on damp, freshly washed skin. Just after one application it left my skin super-soft and nourished. The scent is absolutely divine, with a blend of essences and it’s perfect for applying after a long day and is a real refresher in the mornings.

If you’re looking to treat yourself then the Therapie’s Cherish Skin Repair Serum is certainly something to consider, with its divine scent and skin boosting formula it really is a luxurious treat.

6. Daniel Sandler Concealer Brush – Full Size RRP £12.25

I was really looking forward to receiving this concealer brush by Daniel Sandler as I don’t own a specific brush and usually turn to the nearest smallest brush or even cotton buds!

This award-winning concealer brush mimics the shape of your little finger to gently disguise under-eye dark circles when used with concealer and is made from Taklon which is a synthetic fiber. Taklon bristle do not absorb product and therefore is the perfect texture for applying concealer type products.

I can’t believe I’ve gone without a concealer brush for so long! This brush works so well under the eye area and really helps to blend the product evenly giving a much natural finish. The shape of the brush really gets into the inner corners too and the bristles are really soft so there’s no tugging on the skin.

7. Essie Nail Lacquer x2 – Travel Size 5ml

There’s not one but two Essie Nail Lacquers inside the box in the shades Parka Perfect and Shearling Darling and their the perfect shades for winter.

Parka Perfect is a dusty light blue green with subtle iridescent shimmer. This polish is absolutely gorgeous and very wearable. The color is quite subtle and although it’s not a typical winter shade, I love the unexpected color.

Stearling Darling is a vampy deep blood red shade and would pair well with any outfit. It’s a little on the dark side but I really like it.

8. Balance Me Radiance Face Oil – Travel Size 10ml RRP £15.00

It was only a few months ago that I started using facial oils and having always been reluctant in the past to use such formula’s on my oily skin, I now happily slather these on to take care of everything from dehydration to blemishes.

The Balance Me Radiance Face Oil offers skin an extra layer of moisturising protection and enhances dull, lifeless, dehydrated skin with a radiant, dewy glow. It’s infused with eight oil extracts including Amazonian buriti nut, camelia and rosehip oils to help reduce redness, addresses uneven skin tone and minimises the visible signs of ageing and scaring. It also has a healing blend of yarrow and benzoin along with English chamomile, to create a super plumping and deeply soothing treatment.

I’ve been using this for a few days now and it leaves my skin super smooth with a lovely glow. With the ingredients being all natural it’s a great formula for sensitive and oily skin and a little really goes a long way. I’ve not had use a moisturiser in the evening since I’ve been using this and it does a wonderful job at keeping my skin hydrated.

I love the rollerball applicator which ensures there’s minimal wastage and it’s the ideal size when travelling. Another great product from Balance Me.

9. James Read Sleep Mask Tan – Deluxe Size 25ml.

I always welcome self tanning products during the colder months to achieve a natural golden glow to liven up and brighten my dull and pale complexion. I was delighted to see this fool-proof product from James Read as it’s one which I’ve used previously and due to it’s easy-to-use formula I fell in love with it instantly.

The James Reed Sleep Mask Tan offers an overnight tanning treatment in the form of a lovely light weight serum. Being the first of it’s kind to hit the industry, the lightweight formula contains skincare essentials that include aloe vera, cucumber, hyaluronic acid and red algae to moisturise the skin overnight. The self-tan ingredients guarantees a subtle golden glow by morning. You simply apply before bed, go to sleep and wake up with a beautiful natural colour with no mess or evidence on your pillows or bed sheets due to its colourless formula.

If you’re worried about the formula over accelerating over night it surprisingly doesn’t and instead gives a nice healthy glow without looking artificial or too tanned. If you’re disastrous at applying fake tan like me, this mask is completely fool-proof and applies with very minimal effort, it simply does all the work for you whilst you’re asleep!

My Verdict

Latest in Beauty have curated another fabulous edit in partnership with Get the Gloss. The box boasts a great selection of beauty fixes and delightful treats which covers a good area and showcases well-known brands and a few new discoveries for me. It’s the perfect survival kit which not only combats the winter blues but also includes a selection of make up treats along with some fabulous skin pick me ups and rescuers to get you looking your very best. It’s definitely one of my favourite edits from Latest in Beauty.

As well as the great beauty line up the box features nine items and includes a mixture of full-sized products and very generous sized samples. The box is worth £116 making it great value for money at an affordable price.

I loved the new collaboration with Get the Gloss and hope to see a close relationship forming between the two to bring us beauty addicts some more boxes during the year.

Latest in Beauty never fail to impress me, they are a company who get it right each time and their concept allows us beauty addicts to try a range of high street and premium brands for a fraction of the price. The box also includes some discount codes to redeem against the brands showcased within the box, which is great if you fall in love with any of the products.

The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Kit is available now and you can use the code below to get 10% off your first order.

www.latestinbeauty.com

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Which Beauty Box UK February 1, 2015

Birchbox Spoiler – February 2015

Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and with that in mind, Birchbox are sending all their subscribers a little box filled with loveliness with the February “Birchbox Loves” edition. Not only does the box include a great beauty line up but this month also see’s the launch of their much slimmer and sleeker box design which you can opt into now. Gone are the days waiting for that all important beauty deliver, the slimmer version fits straight through your letter box.

This month’s box has all areas covered and inside you will find a selection of worthy samples from Birchbox’s signature and discovery brands such as TheBalm, Caudalie, Liz Earle, T London, Caudalie and Wild About Beauty to name a few along with a lifestyle item too.

The February edit has a great beauty line up and all subscribers can expect to see two make-up items this month which I’m sure will put smiles on faces!

The February Birchbox is available now.

Thinking of Subscribing?

Get your first Birchbox for only £10.00 by using the code BBLOVES at the checkout.

Subscribe today to get the February Birchbox.

www.birchbox.co.uk

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Which Beauty Box UK February 1, 2015

Look Fantastic Beauty Box Review – February 2015

Price of the Box is £15.00 including P&P
No. of Products in the Box – 6
Worth £48.00
www.lookfantastic.com

I’ve kick started the month with the February Look Fantastic Beauty Box and I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store for us. Since launching only last September, this box has been a big hit with beauty lovers and addicts alike. This month’s box showcases a great variety of luxury hair and skin care essentials and a couple of make up treats which I’m sure will put smiles on faces this month! If that’s not enough to tempt you, this box also features a sample of a famous iconic bar of soap. I know Look Fantastic have had numerous requests for more make up items and it’s great to see that they are taking this feedback on-board. This is certainly one of my favourite edits, there’s so many new wonderful discoveries and the sizes of the products are really generous too with two of them being full size.

Look Fantastic have taken the plunge and bring you their very own monthly beauty box. Known for providing all things beauty from A-Z via their website if anyone could successfully pull this off it’s certainly them being experts in this trade already. With over 14,000 products online from more than 400 brands across hair, make up, skin care, nails, electrical, fragrance, health , home and organic it was inevitable that this beauty box was going to deliver and be a hit as soon as it landed. It really isn’t a surprise that these continually sell out when launched.

The box offers a selection of handpicked, must have beauty fixes wrapped in a beautifully presented box and delivered straight to your door. The beauty box will always include a minimum of six products and offers a selection of skincare, haircare, cosmetic and body products, catering to every kind of beauty lover.

This month’s box is filled with an incredible 6 beauty treats which have been carefully selected and showcases well known and premium brands along with a few new discoveries too. The box features products from Korres, Moroccan Oil, Bellapierre, Monu, Dr PAWPAW and Erzo Laszlo.

1. Korres Citrus Little Body Milk – Travel Size 50ml. Full Size 200ml RRP £10.00

I received a sample of the Korres Body shower gel from the same citrus range last year and was pleased to see a body lotion to form a little travel/weekend duo.

The Korres Citrus body milk surrounds you with an uplifting, clean and fresh aroma and has a powdery texture to leave your skin soft and hydrated. It’s rich in trace elements awaken the epidermis with an energy boost. The combination of provitamin B5, Shea butter and Jojoba oil enhances the suppleness of the skin, while also providing long-lasting hydration. It also contains Vitamin C and E, zinc and anti-oxidant enzymes to enhance the skin’s immune system, this is due to the active aloe’s ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, which helps to reduce the visible signs of ageing.

Just like the shower gel there wasn’t an overwhelming citrus fragrance, it’s got a subtle almost herbal scent. The body milk soaks into the skin very quickly, leaving it feeling refreshing and soft with no greasy residue. It’s also dermatologically tested, free from mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol and ethanolamine so it’s much kinder to the skin.

2. Monu Illuminating Primer – Travel Size 20ml. Full Size 50ml RRP £27.95

I was really impressed with the last Monu skincare product I received, so I was really pleased to see this generous sized sample of their Illuminating Primer.

Monu is an ethical skincare brand, they are against animal testing and their products contain no synthetic perfumes or colours. This Illuminating Primer SPF 15 contains zinc oxide for sun protection, plus antioxidant vitamin E, and is paraben free.

The Monu Illuminating Primer which contains SPF 15 comes fragranced with a gentle scent and is suitable for all skin types. It contains illuminating, light reflecting particles to give the face a radiant and soft-focus finish. This does need to be massaged into the skin very well otherwise it will leave white traces due to the thick formula, but despite this I really love it. Not only does it help protect against UV damage, it also gives the skin a really nice dewy glow without making it look greasy on my oily skin, in fact it counter-acted the usual shine. It also grips foundation giving a much smoother canvas and a long lasting finish which keeps your make up looking fresh and intact for most of the day.

This primer can be worn alone as a day moisturiser, or under make-up as a primer. Another really great product from Monu!

3. Dr PAWPAW Multi-Purpose Soothing Balm – Sample Size 10ml. Full Size 25ml RRP £6.95

I’ve not tried anything from this brand before but have read amazing reviews of this hard working versatile balm which has an endless list of uses.

Dr.PAWPAW products are 100% British made and their collection of balms are made from a variety of natural ingredients including Pawpaw (Papaya), Olive Oil and Aloe Vera Oil and when blended together, creates a multi-purpose formula.

Not only is this balm effective on extremely dry areas, it can also be used as a lip balm, moisturiser, cuticle cream, smoothing the hair or to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. It’s even gentle enough to use on a baby’s bottom as a nappy cream which really gives you an idea of how natural and gentle the formula is.

The balm is quite thick and due to the cold weather may need a little warming up. I tried this on my lips and it felt super-nourishing without any stickiness and kept my lips moist and really soft without the need for further touch up’s.

This comes in a really handy sized sample and it’s a great multi-purpose saviour for a complete steal at only £6.95.

4. Moroccan Oil Treatment – Full Size 25ml RRP £13.45

As the weather turns colder and gloomy, my unruly hair also takes a turn for the worse! I have thick coarse hair which annoyingly turns frizzy as soon as it comes into contact with the rain so I was pretty pleased to see this bottle which comes in a very generous size.

The Moroccanoil Treatment is infused with the precious key ingredient, Argan Oil. The formula also contains strengthening proteins and shine-enhancing vitamins to detangle, speed up drying time and to boost shine leaving the hair smooth, manageable and nourished with each use.

The oil can be applied after shampooing for a sleek blowdry or alternatively a pea-sized amount can be applied after your blowdry concentrating mainly on the ends to add lustrous shine and softness.

I look forward to trying this wonder oil and will be interested to see how this measures up to others I’ve used in the past.

5. Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar – Travel Size. Full Size 5oz RRP £45.00

I never thought a bar of soap would excite me as much as the Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar! The cleanser is Erno Laszlo’s most famous and best selling product, having gained a cult following since it’s original creation. Not only is this miniature soap suitable for normal, combination and slightly oily skin types, the full-size retails for a whopping £45.00 being the most expensive bar of soap I’ve ever tried.

The soap is formulated with an expert blend of 26 different minerals and is made using 97% natural ingredients. It’s enriched with therapeutic Dead Sea mud which detoxifies, hydrates and restores the skin’s mineral levels. The bar also gently exfoliates your skin to remove dead cells for a brighter looking complexion .

I wasted no time in trying this soap and although it’s a little on the small size it does the job perfectly. This lathers up pretty well and if you love that squeaky clean feeling you are in for a treat. The soap removes make up effectively and leaves the skin feeling super clean without drying or stripping the skin. I’ve been using the soap for a few days now and it’s definitely a showstopper.

This soap also goes a very, very long way so, although the full size isn’t cheap, it won’t need replacing for ages.

6. Bellapierre Cosmetics Eyeliner Pencil – Full Size RRP £14.00

I love eyeliners but very rarely turn to shades other than black. I think the shades will vary in this month’s box and from the variations I received Snow White, the whitest of white.

The Bellapierre Cosmetics Eyeliner Pencil contains pure mineral pigments and boasts an innovative formula enriched with Botanical Waxes such as Jojoba, Safflower and Vitamin E and claims to stays put all day and night giving an intense colour on the top and bottom eyelids.

This eyeliner isn’t creamy which means it does drag the skin a little. It has a great colour pay-off and the longetivity is quite impressive with minimal smudging.

Although I wouldn’t use this on my eye lids or my water line, white eyeliner is also great for making your eyes look brighter and more awake and can even be used to highlight the brow bone for an instant eye lift.

My Verdict

Look Fantastic have showcased another great box this month with this edition being one of my favourites to date. Not only does it feature a mixture of well-known brands and new discoveries but it also covers a good area of beauty with generous sized samples, two of which are full-sized. Whist everything is very usable, the box includes a selection of showstoppers such as the soap which works wonders on my oily and spot-prone skin, the Dr PawPaw Balm which is a staple for the handbag and not forgetting the primer from Monu which I absolutely love.

This box impresses me each month and it certainly gives you an opportunity to try more upmarket beauty brands without the hefty price tag.

In my opinion the quality, the presentation and the product selection throughout their boxes remains to be consistently great and focuses mainly on medium and high end brands. The samples sizes are very good sized too and are ideal to accompany you on short breaks and weekends away.

It’s certainly a nice monthly treat to receive through your letter box and Look Fantastic certainly know the concept of a beauty box and are a company who get it right each month.

For only £15.00 it’s a great way to trial beauty products from brands we love and know along with some new discoveries too.

The February box is available now and 25 ‘T3 Featherweight 2 Limited Edition Hairdryers’ (worth £155.00) have been added to random boxes. Will you be one of the lucky ones?

For more information please visit:
http://www.lookfantastic.com

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Which Beauty Box UK January 30, 2015

Cohorted Beauty Box Launch – February 2015

I’ve literally been bursting at the seams with excitement to reveal that Cohorted will very soon be launching their first ever monthly Beauty Box on the 9th February 2015, and if you like the finer things in life you are in for a real treat! For those of you who are not familiar with Cohorted, they are an online beauty retailer with a little twist! Every Monday at 6pm they launch four new products in ‘Cohorts’. Each Cohort has limited stock, and as the stock sells out the price drops. Each buyer will only ever pay the end amount when the Cohort closes, whether that is due to selling out of stock or it reaching the following Monday. I’ve purchased a few beauty products myself from Cohorted who feature well known and loved brands such as Urban Decay, Benefit, MAC, NARS, Dolce & Gabbana, Real Techniques, plus many more for an affordable and discounted price. For more information on their unique shopping concept please visit www.cohorted.co.uk

About the Beauty Box

The Cohorted Beauty Box will offer a monthly selection of products from well-known beauty brands to UK shoppers and will be available for purchase exclusively from their website on the 9th February 2015 and ties in with them celebrating their new brand and website launch. The Box will be available as a singular transaction each month and is not a contract based subscription service.

The February edition will have a combined item value (if purchased separately) totaling £67.50 and will be available to buy for an one off price at £19.99 excluding shipping . The beautifully presented box showcases five beauty products (three full size products and two deluxe samples) from lust-worthy and premium brands and includes a selection of make-up and skincare treats. I’ve already had little peek and can confirm that I’ve fallen head over heels with the impressive line up. This box will certainly be a crowd pleaser amongst beauty addicts and lovers alike.

This is definitely a box you don’t want to miss on and with only one hundred available you will need to be super-quick as these will literally fly off the shelves. If the above isn’t enough to tempt you, as an extra treat 5 random February boxes will include the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette.

www.cohorted.co.uk

Which Beauty Box UK January 29, 2015

You Beauty Discovery Box Shortlist – February 2015

Here’s a sneak peek at February’s You Beauty Discovery shortlist menu which will be available on the 1st February at 7am. This month’s shortlist theme is Red Carpet and features a great variety of all things beauty from skincare treats, an indulgent body scrub and also an innovative hair product to disguise those grey hairs in three different shades.

Subscribers have the option to choose two products of their choice and as a bonus 2-4 extra samples are thrown in too by You Beauty Discovery. A complete steal for only £6.95 a month.

Items in the shortlist menu include:

• Age Defy+ – 24Hour Brightening Moisturiser (10ml)
• Proto-col – moisturising facial gel (20ml)
• IN.FUSED – Coconut Body Scrub (100g)
• Kiss The Moon – After Dark Face Oil* (3ml)
• Kiss The Moon – After Dark Bath Oil* (3ml)
• L’Occitane en Provence – Almond Delicious Hands (10ml)
• Josh Wood – Light Brown Blending Wand (28ml)
• Josh Wood – Dark Brown Blending Wand (28ml)
• Josh Wood – Dark Blonde Blending Wand (28ml)

Plus, each box will include bareMinerals – bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation (One time use) and Lindt – Lindor Milk Truffles (50g).